The Byrds first came to prominence in 1965 when their electrified version of Bob Dylan's Mr. Tambourine Man became a worldwide hit. The band which at the time featured Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, David Crosby, Chris Hillman and Michael Clarke would have further hits and record two albums before Gene Clark departed for a solo career. The Byrds would not replace Gene Clark and continued to record singles and albums as a four piece. In 1968 however David Crosby was sacked from the band just before the release of the album The Notorious Byrd Brothers. There followed a period of transition for the band with members coming and going and during late 1968 McGuinn and Hillman became the only original members of the band following the departure of Michael Clarke. Critically acclaimed albums such as Sweetheart of the Rodeo a genre breaking "Country" styled album featuring Gram Parsons was the next release although the line up featuring Gram Parsons was short-lived and soon after his departure the band recruited guitarist Clarence White previously with the Kentucky Colonels and alongside Gene Parsons in the more recent Nashville West.